Leeds United chiefs were dealt a stark warning just minutes after the club’s return to the field. Injury woes have plagued Elland Road over the last 18 months - and almost cost the Whites their Premier League place in May.
Patrick Bamford - still a regular fixture on the treatment table - and Kalvin Phillips spent the bulk of 2021-22 on the sidelines. Surviving on the final day, while exhilarating, is hardly a feat Leeds will aim to repeat again.
Summer arrival Luis Sinisterra has shown plenty of promise in glimpses supporters have seen of him. However, it did not take long for the United curse to strike as he soon suffered a rare, long-term foot injury.
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Dan James’ loan exit raised a few eyebrows as Leeds now appear light in wide areas. That is why any blow to Crysencio Summerville would be regarded as a disaster.
While the season so far has been mixed, watching the Dutchman break into the first team is one of the undeniable highlights. But supporters held their breath as the 21-year-old - who has bagged in his last four Premier League outings - hit the deck seven minutes into the 2-1 friendly win over Elche.
As it stands, Jack Harrison remains the only fit first-team winger. The extent of Summerville’s injury remains unclear but Jesse Marsch and Co will be sweating for some positive injury news.
Despite another potential setback, a clear silver lining can be taken ahead of the January transfer window. Andrea Radrizzani needs offensive reinforcements to ensure Leeds do not stumble into another cliff-edge situation.
Bamford’s perennial troubles are bad enough, causing Leeds to field Rodrigo as an out-and-out striker. Asking Marsch to perform a miracle - with one fit wideman - could be a bridge too far.
The timing falls just weeks before the start of a transfer window that United need to be busy in. Let Summerville’s seventh-minute departure serve as a brutal reminder to the Elland Road hierarchy, who are playing Russian roulette with Leeds’ Premier League status.
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